Panic going viral, Omicron not just yet

By Kumaran P | NT

Bengaluru: The arrival of a new variant has caused a great deal of panic around the world, especially with the World Health Organization terming it a ‘variant of concern’. Little is known about Omicron still – it only surfaced in the latter half of November and studies are underway but it has been said to be a super-spreader. No cases have been confirmed in India yet the government is taking precautions, as should we all, say doctors. In South Africa, the epicentre of the variant, most of the cases so far have been asymptomatic while a few have displayed very mild symptoms, according to doctors.

Here in Bengaluru, experts say there is no need for undue panic but it’s best not to let our guards down and continue with social distancing protocol until the pandemic comes to an end. They advise taking the RT-PCR test even if one has a regular flu or viral fever.

Dr Ravindra Mehta one of the city’s most senior pulmonologists from Apollo Hospitals, who is also a member of the BBMP Covid-19 task force committee, says, “Omicron has just been discovered in the international stage and countries are still trying to ascertain if they have been affected or not. To diagnose Omicron, you need to look at the RT-PCR carefully, or you need genomics. The latter will take time before cases can be declared.”

Information on symptoms is scant, Dr Mehta says, limited only to information coming in from South Africa. Doctors there have described symptoms like fatigue but nothing specific. There is not enough information regarding existing vaccines and their ability to fight the Omicron variant, he adds. “Just make sure that social distancing, masks and other forms of Covid protocol are followed carefully. “As a nation, it’s best if we proceed with caution and act based on information, when we get it.”

Dr Srividya, Consultant, Internal Medicine, Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur said there is no data on the severity of infection caused by the strain either. “We should be vigilant by avoiding unnecessary travel and social gatherings. All the approved vaccines have shown significant protection against severe disease.”

Symptoms generic, be vigilant

Dr Pramod V. Satya - Consultant Internal Medicine, Manipal Hospital, Millers Road, said, “Omicron symptoms are no different from other Covid -19 variants. Seasonal influenza (flu) cases are definitely on a rise (expected in winter season). Every flu-like illness (ILI) should be taken seriously and Covid testing is needed. The vaccine will definitely protect you from any Covid illness, but to what extent it needs to be seen.” Most of the reported cases have been mild, says Dr Neha Mishra, Consultant - Infectious Diseases, Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road. “Most of the reported cases have been mild. The disease has not shown much difference in presentation. It is difficult to distinguish this on the basis of only symptoms as the viral Prodrome can be similar. It’s always good to consult a doctor when in doubt.” This variant is more likely to cause myalgia (muscle pain), says Dr Srikanta J T, Consultant - Paediatric Interventional Pulmonology and Sleep Medicine, Aster CMI Hospital. Omicron, as any other viral illness, produces symptoms of any viral infection like flu. Only the severity may differ,” he says. As for vaccines, he says, “We know the Omicron variant has 10 mutations which might or might not be neutralized by current vaccines. Studies are under way regarding their efficacy.